JPWO2015050228A1 - Separator joining device for electrical devices - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a separator joining apparatus for an electric device that can reduce the space occupied by equipment even if a unit for joining using ultrasonic waves is applied to line equipment. The present invention relates to a separator joining apparatus 100 for an electrical device that joins a pair of separators 40 sandwiching an electrode 20 to each other, and includes a vibrator 153 that generates ultrasonic vibrations and a booster that amplifies the generated vibrations. 152, a horn 151 that applies the amplified vibration to the separator and joins the pair of separators, and separator transport parts 120 and 130 that transport the pair of separators to a joining position where the pair of separators are joined by the horn. The child, the booster, and the horn are arranged in a plane parallel to the separator transport direction X and perpendicular to the separator surface, or the vibrator and the booster are viewed from a direction parallel to the separator transport direction. Instead, arrange them closer to the center of the separator in the width direction. [Selection] Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a separator bonding apparatus for electrical devices.

  Conventionally, a battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery is configured by sealing a power generating element to be charged and discharged with an exterior material. The power generation element is configured, for example, by laminating a plurality of packaged electrodes formed by sandwiching a positive electrode with a pair of separators and negative electrodes. The packaged electrode joins both ends thereof to suppress the movement of the positive electrode, thereby preventing a short circuit with the adjacent negative electrode through the separator (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, there is one that uses ultrasonic waves for joining the constituent members of the secondary battery (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-320636 JP 2012-59696 A

  When joining the constituent members of an electric device such as a secondary battery using ultrasonic waves, the temperature characteristics are high, and thin members such as foil can be joined. However, units that use ultrasonic waves are complex in structure, such as transducers that generate ultrasonic waves and boosters that amplify vibrations, so the overall size of the equipment increases when it is placed on a mass production line where various equipment is lined up. There is a problem that the space in a building such as a factory is compressed.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides a separator joining apparatus for an electric device that can make the space occupied by the equipment compact even if a unit that joins using ultrasonic waves is applied to the line equipment. The purpose is to do.

  The present invention for achieving the above object is a separator joining apparatus for an electric device for joining a pair of separators sandwiching an electrode to each other. The apparatus includes a transmitting unit that generates ultrasonic vibration, an amplifying unit that amplifies the generated vibration, a contact unit that applies the amplified vibration to the separator to join the pair of separators, and a pair of the contact unit. A separator transport unit that transports the pair of separators to a joining position for joining the separators. In the present invention, the transmitting section, the amplifying section, and the abutting section are arranged in parallel to the separator transport direction and arranged on a plane orthogonal to the separator surface, or the transmitting section and the amplifying section are parallel to the separator transport direction. It is characterized in that the separators are arranged closer to the center in the width direction of the separator than the contact portion.

It is a perspective view which shows the lithium ion secondary battery comprised using the electric device (packed electrode) which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which decomposes | disassembles and shows the lithium ion secondary battery of FIG. 1 to each structural member. It is a perspective view which shows the state which each laminated | stacked the negative electrode on both surfaces of the packaging electrode of FIG. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of FIG. 3 along line 4-4 shown in FIG. 3. It is a perspective view which shows the separator joining apparatus of the electric device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which looked at the same joining apparatus from the upstream of the conveyance direction. It is a side view which shows the separator junction part vicinity in the joining apparatus. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of the separator junction part in the joining apparatus. It is a front view of Drawing 5D. It is a top view of Drawing 5D. It is a perspective view which shows the separator holding | maintenance part of FIG. 5A, a separator junction part, a separator conveyance follower, and a bagging electrode conveyance part. It is a perspective view which shows the separator junction part of FIG. 5A. It is a fragmentary sectional view showing typically the state just before joining a pair of ceramic separators by the separator joined part of Drawing 5A. It is a photograph which shows a pair of ceramic separator in the state of FIG. 8 from the side surface along a conveyance direction. It is a fragmentary sectional view showing typically the state immediately after joining a pair of ceramic separators by the separator joined part of Drawing 5A. It is a photograph which shows a pair of ceramic separator in the state of FIG. 10 from the side surface along a conveyance direction. It is a perspective view which shows the various forms of the horn of the separator junction part of FIG. 5A. It is a perspective view which shows a separator holding | maintenance part, a separator junction part, a separator conveyance follower, and a bagging electrode conveyance part in the separator joining apparatus of the electric device which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the action | operation of the separator holding part and separator junction part of FIG.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. The sizes and ratios of the members in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation and may be different from the actual sizes and ratios. In all the drawings of FIGS. 1 to 14, the azimuth is indicated by using arrows represented by X, Y, and Z. The direction of the arrow represented by X indicates the conveyance direction X of the ceramic separator 40, the positive electrode 20, and the like. The direction of the arrow represented by Y indicates the direction Y that intersects the transport direction of the ceramic separator 40, the positive electrode 20, and the like. The direction of the arrow represented by Z indicates the stacking direction Z of the ceramic separator 40, the positive electrode 20, and the like.

(Electrical device)
The electric device formed by bonding with the separator bonding apparatus 100 corresponds to, for example, the packaged electrode 11 of the lithium ion secondary battery 10 as shown in FIGS. The lithium ion secondary battery 10 is configured by sealing a power generation element 12 to be charged and discharged with an exterior material 50. The power generation element 12 is configured by alternately laminating the packed electrode 11 and the negative electrode 30 in which the positive electrode 20 is sandwiched and bonded by a pair of ceramic separators 40.

  Even if the lithium ion secondary battery 10 vibrates or receives an impact, it is adjacent to each other via the ceramic separator 40 by suppressing the movement of the positive electrode 20 by the joint portions 40h formed at both ends of the pair of ceramic separators 40. A short circuit between the positive electrode 20 and the negative electrode 30 is prevented. The joining portion 40h moves the ceramic layer 42 adjacent to the polypropylene layer 41 to be melted to the surrounding area while roughening the polypropylene layers 41 in a state where the ceramic layers 42 face each other, The polypropylene layers 41 facing each other are formed by welding.

  The separator joining apparatus 100 is shown in FIGS. Separator joining apparatus 100 is used in joining an electric device (packed electrode 11 of lithium ion secondary battery 10). Separator joining apparatus 100 includes ceramic separators 40 each including a sheet-like molten material (corresponding to polypropylene layer 41) and a molten material (corresponding to polypropylene layer 41) laminated on polypropylene layer 41 and having a melting temperature higher than that of polypropylene layer 41. Join.

  The separator bonding apparatus 100 includes an electrode transport unit 110 that transports electrodes (positive electrode 20 or negative electrode 30), a first separator transport unit 120 (corresponding to a separator transport unit) that transports a ceramic separator 40 laminated on one surface of the positive electrode 20, and A second separator transport unit 130 (corresponding to a separator transport unit) that transports the ceramic separator 40 laminated on the other surface of the positive electrode 20 is included. The separator bonding apparatus 100 includes a separator holding unit 140 that holds a pair of ceramic separators 40 that sandwich the positive electrode 20, a separator bonding unit 150 that bonds the pair of ceramic separators 40 to each other, and the ceramic separators 40 being bonded together. In addition, a separator transport follower 160 that follows the transport operation of the packaged electrode transport unit 170 is included. Furthermore, the separator joining apparatus 100 includes a packaged electrode transport unit 170 that transports the packaged electrode 11 and a control unit 180 that controls the operation of each component.

  First, the packaged electrode 11 formed by bonding using the separator bonding apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 based on the configuration of the lithium ion secondary battery 10 including the packaged electrode 11.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a lithium ion secondary battery 10 configured using an electric device (packed electrode 11). FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the lithium ion secondary battery 10 of FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the negative electrodes 30 are laminated on both surfaces of the packaged electrode 11 of FIG. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of FIG. 3 along line 4-4 shown in FIG.

  The positive electrode 20 corresponds to an electrode, and is formed by binding a positive electrode active material 22 on both surfaces of a positive electrode current collector 21 which is a conductor. The positive electrode terminal 21 a for taking out electric power is formed to extend from a part of one end of the positive electrode current collector 21. The positive electrode terminals 21a of the stacked positive electrodes 20 are fixed to each other by welding or adhesion.

The material of the positive electrode current collector 21 of the positive electrode 20 is, for example, aluminum expanded metal, aluminum mesh, or aluminum punched metal. The material of the positive electrode active material 22 of the positive electrode 20 includes various oxides (lithium manganese oxide such as LiMn ₂ O ₄ , manganese dioxide, lithium nickel oxide such as LiNiO ₂ , and lithium cobalt oxide such as LiCoO _2. Products, lithium-containing nickel cobalt oxide, or lithium-containing amorphous vanadium pentoxide) or chalcogen compounds (titanium disulfide, molybdenum disulfide) or the like.

  The negative electrode 30 corresponds to an electrode having a polarity different from that of the positive electrode 20, and is formed by binding a negative electrode active material 32 on both surfaces of a negative electrode current collector 31 that is a conductor. The negative electrode terminal 31 a extends from a part of one end of the negative electrode current collector 31 so as not to overlap with the positive electrode terminal 21 a formed on the positive electrode 20. The length of the negative electrode 30 in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length of the positive electrode 20 in the longitudinal direction. The length of the negative electrode 30 in the short direction is the same as the length of the positive electrode 20 in the short direction. The negative electrode terminals 31a of the plurality of negative electrodes 30 that are stacked are fixed to each other by welding or adhesion.

  As the material of the negative electrode current collector 31 of the negative electrode 30, for example, a copper expanded metal, a copper mesh, or a copper punched metal is used. As the material of the negative electrode active material 32 of the negative electrode 30, a carbon material that absorbs and releases lithium ions is used. For such carbon materials, for example, natural graphite, artificial graphite, carbon black, activated carbon, carbon fiber, coke, or organic precursor (phenol resin, polyacrylonitrile, or cellulose) is heat-treated in an inert atmosphere and synthesized. Carbon is used.

  The ceramic separator 40 is provided between the positive electrode 20 and the negative electrode 30 and electrically isolates the positive electrode 20 and the negative electrode 30. The ceramic separator 40 holds the electrolytic solution between the positive electrode 20 and the negative electrode 30 to ensure ion conductivity. The ceramic separator 40 is formed in a rectangular shape. The length in the longitudinal direction of the ceramic separator 40 is longer than the length in the longitudinal direction of the negative electrode 30 excluding the portion of the negative electrode terminal 31a.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the ceramic separator 40 is formed, for example, by laminating a ceramic layer 42 corresponding to a heat-resistant material on a polypropylene layer 41 corresponding to a molten material. The ceramic layer 42 has a higher melting temperature than the polypropylene layer 41. The pair of ceramic separators 40 sandwich the positive electrode 20 and laminate the ceramic layers 42 facing each other. The ceramic layer 42 is in contact with the positive electrode active material 22 of the positive electrode 20.

  The polypropylene layer 41 of the ceramic separator 40 is formed of polypropylene in a sheet shape. The polypropylene layer 41 is impregnated with a nonaqueous electrolytic solution prepared by dissolving an electrolyte in a nonaqueous solvent. In order to hold the non-aqueous electrolyte in the polypropylene layer 41, a polymer is contained. The ceramic layer 42 is formed by, for example, applying a ceramic obtained by molding an inorganic compound at a high temperature to the polypropylene layer 41 and drying it. The ceramic is made of a porous material formed by bonding a ceramic particle such as silica, alumina, zirconium oxide, titanium oxide or the like and a binder.

  The pair of ceramic separators 40 are joined to each other by a plurality of joining portions 40 h formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction along the transport direction X of the separator joining device 100. While the ceramic layers 42 face each other, the joint 40h partially melts the polypropylene layers 41 while moving the ceramic layer 42 adjacent to the polypropylene layer 41 to the surrounding area to make it rough and face each other. It is formed by welding the polypropylene layers 41 together.

  A pair of ceramic separators 40 are stacked so as to sandwich both surfaces of the positive electrode 20 and packed into a bag, thereby forming a packaged electrode 11. For example, three joint portions 40h are formed on both sides along the longitudinal direction of the pair of ceramic separators 40, for example, at both end portions and the central portion. Even if the lithium ion secondary battery 10 vibrates or receives an impact, the movement of the positive electrode 20 in the packaged electrode 11 can be suppressed by the joint portions 40 h formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the ceramic separator 40. . That is, it is possible to prevent a short circuit between the adjacent positive electrode 20 and negative electrode 30 through the ceramic separator 40. Therefore, the lithium ion secondary battery 10 can maintain the desired electrical characteristics.

  The exterior material 50 is composed of, for example, laminate sheets 51 and 52 each having a metal plate therein, and covers and seals the power generation element 12 from both sides. When the power generating element 12 is sealed with the laminate sheets 51 and 52, a part of the periphery of the laminate sheets 51 and 52 is opened, and the other periphery is sealed by heat welding or the like. The electrolyte solution is injected from the open portions of the laminate sheets 51 and 52, and the ceramic separator 40 and the like are impregnated with the electrolyte solution. While decompressing the inside from the open portions of the laminate sheets 51 and 52, the open portions are also heat-sealed and completely sealed.

  For example, the laminate sheets 51 and 52 of the exterior material 50 each have a three-layer structure formed by laminating three kinds of materials. The first layer corresponds to a heat-fusible resin and uses, for example, polyethylene (PE), ionomer, or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). The first layer material is adjacent to the negative electrode 30. The second layer corresponds to a metal foil formed, for example, an Al foil or Ni foil. The third layer corresponds to a resinous film and uses, for example, rigid polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or nylon.

(Separator joining device for electrical devices)
Next, each component of the separator bonding apparatus 100 (the electrode conveyance unit 110, the first separator conveyance unit 120, the first number) that embodies the separator bonding method of the electrical device (corresponding to the packaged electrode 11 of the lithium ion secondary battery 10). 2 separator conveyance part 130, separator holding part 140, separator junction part 150, separator conveyance follower 160, bagging electrode conveyance part 170, and control part 180) are explained in order, referring to Drawing 5A-Drawing 12.

  5A is a perspective view showing the separator joining apparatus 100 of the electric device (packed electrode 11), FIG. 5B is a view of the joining apparatus as seen from the upstream side in the transport direction, and FIG. 5C is the vicinity of the separator joining portion in the joining apparatus. FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing separator holding unit 140, separator joint 150, separator conveyance follower 160, and packaged electrode conveyance unit 170 of FIG. 5A. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the separator joint 150 of FIG. 5A. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a state immediately before the pair of ceramic separators 40 are joined by the separator joint 150 of FIG. 5A. FIG. 9 is a photograph showing the pair of ceramic separators 40 in the state of FIG. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a state immediately after the pair of ceramic separators 40 are joined by the separator joint 150 of FIG. 5A. FIG. 11 is a photograph showing the pair of ceramic separators 40 in the state of FIG. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing various forms of the horn of the separator joint 150 of FIG. 5A.

(Electrode transfer part)
The electrode conveyance part 110 cuts out and conveys the positive electrode 20 from the elongate positive electrode base material 20A shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

  The electrode supply roller 111 of the electrode transport unit 110 has a columnar shape, and holds the long positive electrode base material 20 </ b> A wound around. The conveyance roller 112 has an elongated cylindrical shape, and is guided to the conveyance belt 113 in a state where a certain tension is applied to the positive electrode base material 20 </ b> A wound around the electrode supply roller 111. The conveyor belt 113 is an endless belt provided with a plurality of suction ports on the outer peripheral surface, and conveys the positive electrode base material 20A along the conveyance direction X in a sucked state. The width of the transport belt 113 along the direction Y intersecting the transport direction X is longer than the width of the positive electrode base material 20A. A plurality of rotation rollers 114 are arranged on the inner peripheral surface of the conveyance belt 113 along the direction Y intersecting the conveyance direction X to rotate the conveyance belt 113. Among the plurality of rotating rollers 114, one is a driving roller provided with power, and the other is a driven roller driven by the driving roller. The transport roller 112 and the electrode supply roller 111 rotate following the rotation of the transport belt 113.

  The cutting blades 115 and 116 of the electrode transport unit 110 are arranged so as to be adjacent to each other along a direction Y intersecting the transport direction X, and the positive electrode base material 20A is cut into a predetermined shape to form a positive electrode. The cutting blade 115 is provided with a straight and sharp blade at the tip, and cuts one end of the positive electrode base material 20A along the direction Y in a straight line. The cutting blade 116 is provided with a sharp blade that is partially refracted at the tip, and cuts the other end of the positive electrode base material 20A immediately after one end is cut according to the shape of the positive electrode terminal 21a. To do. The cradle 117 receives the cutting blade 115 and the cutting blade 116 for cutting the positive electrode base material 20A. The cradle 117 is disposed to face the cutting blade 115 and the cutting blade 116 via the positive electrode base material 20A to be conveyed. The electrode transport unit 110 carries out the positive electrode 20 cut out from the positive electrode base material 20 </ b> A so as to pass between the first separator transport unit 120 and the second separator transport unit 130.

(Separator transport unit)
5A and 5B, the first separator transport unit 120 is a ceramic separator 40 for stacking on one surface of the positive electrode 20 (upward in FIG. 5A along the stacking direction Z) from the ceramic separator substrate 40A. Is cut out and transported.

  The first separator transport unit 120 is disposed downstream of the electrode transport unit 110 in the transport direction X and above the stacking direction Z in FIG. The 1st separator supply roller 121 of the 1st separator conveyance part 120 consists of cylindrical shapes, and winds and hold | maintains the elongate ceramic separator base material 40A. The first pressure roller 122 and the first nip roller 123 that are arranged to face each other have an elongated cylindrical shape, and apply a certain tension to the ceramic separator substrate 40A wound around the first separator supply roller 121. In this state, it is guided to the first transport drum 124. The first transport drum 124 has a cylindrical shape, and a plurality of suction ports are provided on the outer peripheral surface thereof. The width of the first transport drum 124 along the direction Y intersecting the transport direction X is shorter than the width of the ceramic separator substrate 40A. That is, both ends of the ceramic separator substrate 40A protrude outward from the first transport drum 124 in the direction Y. In this way, the first transport drum 124 avoids interference with the separator holding part 140 and the separator joint part 150.

  When the first transport drum 124 of the first separator transport unit 120 is rotated, the first separator supply roller 121 is driven and rotated in addition to the first pressure roller 122 and the first nip roller 123. The first cutting blade 125 is provided with a straight and sharp blade at the tip, is disposed along a direction Y intersecting the transport direction X, and is used for a long ceramic separator sucked by the first transport drum 124 The base material 40A is cut with a certain width. The first transport drum 124 is laminated with the ceramic separator 40 cut into a rectangular shape being brought close to one surface of the positive electrode 20 carried out from the electrode transport unit 110. The ceramic separator 40 has the ceramic layer 42 facing the one surface of the positive electrode 20.

  5A, the second separator transport unit 130 is a separator for stacking from the ceramic separator base material 40A on the other surface facing the one surface of the positive electrode 20 (downward in FIG. 5A along the stacking direction Z). 40 is cut out and transported.

  The second separator transport unit 130 is disposed downstream of the electrode transport unit 110 in the transport direction X and below the stacking direction Z in FIG. The second separator transport unit 130 is disposed to face the first separator transport unit 120 along the stacking direction Z. The second separator supply roller 131 of the second separator transport unit 130 has a cylindrical shape, and holds the long ceramic separator base material 40A wound around it. The second pressure roller 132 and the second nip roller 133 that are arranged to face each other have an elongated cylindrical shape, and apply a certain tension to the ceramic separator substrate 40A wound around the second separator supply roller 131. In this state, it is guided to the second transport drum 134. The second transport drum 134 has a cylindrical shape, and a plurality of suction ports are provided on the outer peripheral surface thereof. Similarly to the first transport drum 124, the second transport drum 134 has a width along the direction Y intersecting the transport direction X shorter than the width of the ceramic separator substrate 40A. Interference with the separator joint 150 is avoided.

  When the second transport drum 134 of the second separator transport unit 130 is rotated, the second separator supply roller 131 is driven and rotated in addition to the second pressure roller 132 and the second nip roller 133. The second cutting blade 135 is provided with a linear sharp blade at the tip, is disposed along the direction Y intersecting the transport direction X, and is a long ceramic separator 40 sucked by the second transport drum 134. Is cut to a certain width. The second transport drum 134 is laminated while bringing the ceramic separator substrate 40A cut into a rectangular shape close to the other surface side of the positive electrode 20 carried out from the electrode transport unit 110. The ceramic separator 40 has the ceramic layer 42 facing the other surface of the positive electrode 20.

  The first separator transport unit 120 and the second separator transport unit 130 are stacked so that the positive electrode 20 is sandwiched between the pair of ceramic separators 40 in the gap portion between the first transport drum 124 and the second transport drum 134. Transport along the transport direction X. As shown in FIG. 5C and the like, the transport direction X is a direction in which the pair of separators 40 overlap and the separators 40 are transported to a position where they are joined by a horn 151 of a separator joint 150 described later. Separator holding portions 140 and separator joint portions 150 are disposed at both ends on the downstream side along the transport direction X, respectively. Reference numerals 118, 126, and 136 are support members that rotatably support the electrode supply roller 111, the first separator supply roller 121, and the second separator supply roller 131, and protrude from the wall surface 190. Support members 118, 126, and 136 are each connected to a power mechanism (not shown) within wall surface 190. In this embodiment, the support members 118, 126, and 136 support the electrode supply roller 111, the first separator supply roller 121, and the second separator supply roller 131 in a cantilever state. It is good also as a structure which supports from both sides.

(Separator holding part)
The separator holding unit 140 holds a pair of ceramic separators 40 shown in FIGS. 5A and 6 and sandwiched and stacked with the positive electrode 20 interposed therebetween.

  The separator holding unit 140 is adjacent to the electrode transport unit 110 along the transport direction X, and is disposed downstream of the first separator transport unit 120 and the second separator transport unit 130 in the transport direction X. One set of separator holding portions 140 is disposed at both ends along the conveyance direction X of the packaged electrode conveyance portion 170. The holding plate 141 of the separator holding unit 140 is formed in a long plate shape. The holding plate 141 is disposed below the stacking direction Z of the ceramic separator 40 in FIG. 6 and in parallel with the end portion along the transport direction X of the ceramic separator 40. The holding plate 141 assists the bonding of the ceramic separators 40 by the separator bonding portion 150 by holding the pair of ceramic separators 40 from below in the stacking direction Z in FIG. The holding plate 141 has a rectangular hole in order to avoid interference with the horn 151 and the anvil 154 of the separator joint 150.

  The holding plate 141 of the separator holding unit 140 is raised and lowered along the stacking direction Z by the drive column 158 of the separator joint 150. The holding plate 141 holds the pair of ceramic separators 40 from below in the stacking direction Z in FIG. 6 while the horn 151 and the anvil 154 are in contact with each other so as to sandwich the pair of ceramic separators 40. On the other hand, the holding plate 141 is retracted downward in the stacking direction Z shown in FIG. 6 while the horn 151 and the anvil 154 are separated from the pair of ceramic separators 40.

(Separator joint)
The separator joining portion 150 is related to FIGS. 5A to 12, and joins the ceramic separators 40 laminated so as to sandwich the positive electrode 20 by heating with frictional heat by ultrasonic waves.

  First, the configuration of the separator joint 150 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 7.

  Separator joint 150 is disposed downstream of transport direction X from first separator transport unit 120 and second separator transport unit 130. One set of separator joints 150 is disposed at both ends along the transport direction X. Separator joining portion 150 is close to separator holding portion 140.

  A horn 151 (corresponding to a contact portion) of the separator joint 150 applies ultrasonic waves to the ceramic separator 40. The horn 151 is made of metal, and integrally includes a rectangular main body portion 151a and a protruding portion 151b (corresponding to a contact portion) formed so as to protrude from a corner of the main body portion 151a. In the present embodiment, four protrusions 151b are formed on the horn 151b, but the present invention is not limited to this. The horn 151 is pressed by the pressing member 155 as indicated by the arrow P1 in FIG. 7, and the protruding portion 151 b contacts the polypropylene layer 41 of the ceramic separator 40. The horn 151 applies ultrasonic waves along the bonding surfaces of the ceramic layers 42 intersecting with the stacking direction Z as shown by the wavy line S1 in FIG.

  A booster 152 (corresponding to an amplifier) of the separator joint 150 amplifies the ultrasonic wave while fastening the horn 151 and the vibrator 153 (corresponding to a transmitter). The booster 152 is made of metal and has a cylindrical shape. The vibrator 153 generates vibration corresponding to the frequency of the ultrasonic wave by using electric power supplied from the outside. The vibrator 153 has one end fastened to the booster 152 and a power cable connected to the other end facing the one end. The anvil 154 corresponds to a contact member, and biases the horn 151 while receiving ultrasonic vibration derived from the horn 151. The anvil 154 is made of metal, and integrally includes a rectangular main body 154a and a protrusion 154b formed to protrude from one end of the main body 154a. The protruding portion 154b of the anvil 154 faces the protruding portion 151b of the horn 151 with the pair of ceramic separators 40 interposed therebetween. The anvil 154 is pressed by the urging member 156 to urge the horn 151 as indicated by the arrow P2 in FIG.

  A pressing member 155 (corresponding to a holding portion) of the separator joining portion 150 presses the horn 151 downward along the stacking direction Z shown in FIG. One end of the pressing member 155 is formed in an annular shape, and the booster 152 fastened to the horn 151 is inserted therethrough, and the horn 151, the booster 152, and the vibrator 153 are rotatably held. In FIG. 7, the horn 151 and booster 152 shown on the front side and the horn 151 and booster 152 shown on the back side are fastened with screws, and the rotation direction R in which the screws of the horn 151 and booster 152 on the front side and back side are tightened is Both are configured in the same direction. The side of the pressing member 155 is movably connected to the drive column 158 along the stacking direction Z. The pressing member 155 has a contact member 155a that can be switched between contact and non-contact with the horn 151. The contact member 155a is configured to be able to protrude and retract from the plate-like surface of the pressing member 155 along the stacking direction Z, thereby switching contact or non-contact with the horn 151. The urging member 156 presses the anvil 154 upward along the stacking direction Z shown in FIG. The urging member 156 is formed in a plate shape, and an anvil 154 is joined to the end thereof. The urging member 156 is connected to the drive column 158 so as to be movable along the stacking direction Z.

  The drive stage 157 of the separator joint 150 moves the pressing member 155 and the urging member 156 along the stacking direction Z via the drive column 158. The driving force generated by the driving stage 157 is converted into a driving force along the stacking direction Z by the driving column 158 and used.

  In the separator joint 150, the horn 151, the booster 152, and the vibrator 153 are arranged in a plane that is parallel to the separator transport direction and orthogonal to the surface of the ceramic separator 40. In the present embodiment, the horn 151, the booster 152, and the vibrator 153 are located above the separator holding unit 140 as shown in FIG. 7 and are arranged along the transport direction X. The pressing member 155 is arranged along the stacking direction Z with respect to the horn 151, the booster 152, and the vibrator 153. The anvil 154 and the urging member 156 are arranged below the separator holding portion 140 along the stacking direction Z as shown in FIG. The drive stage 157 is disposed along the stacking direction Z directly below 7 in the drawing, and is disposed along the transport direction X, similarly to the biasing member 156 on which the anvil 154 is placed. Thus, the horn 151, the booster 152, and the vibrator 153 that constitute the separator joint 150 are arranged along the transport direction X, and the anvil 154, the pressing member 155, the biasing member 156, the driving stage 157, and the driving column 158 are arranged. Are arranged side by side along the stacking direction Z except for the drive column 158. Since the joining apparatus 100 is a facility with a line, it is difficult to avoid an increase in the size of the facility in the line conveyance direction, but it is necessary to dispose the facility in the axial direction of the support member 118 that supports the electrode supply roller 111 and the like. There is not much sex. Therefore, the above-described constituent members of the ultrasonic bonding portion 150 that performs ultrasonic bonding are arranged along the transport direction X of the electrode transport portion 110 and the stacking direction Z of the electrodes, while establishing the layout of each constituent member. The space occupied by the entire facility can be made compact.

  FIG. 5D is a perspective view showing a modification of the separator joining portion in the separator joining device for an electric device according to the present embodiment, FIG. 5E is a front view of FIG. 5D, and FIG. 5F is a plan view of FIG. In the above description, the horn 151, the booster 152, and the vibrator 153 are arranged side by side in the transport direction X. However, in terms of making it difficult to increase the space occupied by the equipment, the horn 151, the booster 152, and the vibrator 153 are arranged side by side in the stacking direction Z as shown in FIG. May be. 5D and 5E, the holding member 155b supports the horn 151c, the booster 152a, and the vibrator 153a so as to be rotatable around an axis parallel to the stacking direction Z. The holding member 155b is provided with an abutting member 155c that can project and retract toward the main body 151d of the horn 151c. The protrusion 151e of the horn 151c is formed downward in the stacking direction Z.

  The XZ plane formed by the conveying direction X in which the horn 151, the booster 152, and the vibrator 153 are arranged and the stacking direction Z in which the horn 151c, the booster 152a, and the vibrator 153a are arranged is the plane of the separator 40 (XY plane) as described above. And a surface along the transport direction of the separator 40. By arranging the horn 151c, the booster 152a, and the vibrator 153a side by side on the XZ plane as described above, the space occupied by the facility can be made compact.

  In addition to arranging the horn 151c, the booster 152a, and the vibrator 153a on the XZ plane, the booster 152a and the vibrator 153a are transported in the separator 40 with reference to the horn 151c as shown by arrows A1 and A2 in FIG. 5F. The space occupied by the entire facility can be made compact even if it is arranged in a plane that is orthogonal to the plane of the separator 40, that is, a plane that is orthogonal to the plane of the separator 40 and that is inclined inward with respect to the horn 151c. it can.

  Next, the effect | action of the separator junction part 150 is demonstrated, referring FIGS. 8-11.

  8 and 9 show a state immediately before the pair of ceramic separators 40 are joined by the separator joining portion 150. FIG. The ceramic separator 40 formed by laminating the polypropylene layer 41 and the ceramic layer 42 has the ceramic layers 42 facing each other as shown in FIG.

A state immediately after the pair of ceramic separators 40 are joined by the separator joining portion 150 is shown in FIGS. The horn 151 is in contact with the polypropylene layer 41 of one ceramic separator 40 of the pair of ceramic separators 40 and is represented by a wavy line S1 in FIG. 10 along the bonding surface between the ceramic layers 42 intersecting the stacking direction Z. Ultrasonic waves were applied to the. The direction of the wavy line S1 corresponds to the transport direction X that intersects the stacking direction Z. At the same time, the pressing member 155 pressed the horn 151 toward the polypropylene layer 41 of the ceramic separator 40 as represented by the arrow P1 in FIG. Further, the urging member 156 pressed the anvil 154 toward the horn 151 as indicated by an arrow P2 in FIG. By acting in this manner, the pair of ceramic separators 40 becomes rough as the polypropylene layer 41 is heated and melted as shown in FIG. 11 and the ceramic layers 42 move from the joint 40h to the surrounding region. Therefore, the facing polypropylene layers 41 could be joined.
Next, various configurations of the horn along with the operation of the separator joint 150 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The horn 151 described above is shown in FIG. Since the ultrasonic wave is applied to the horn 151 by the vibrator 153, the portion facing the anvil 154 deteriorates. Therefore, when the protrusion 151b1 formed at one corner of one side surface of the main body 151a deteriorates, first, the contact member 155a of the pressing member 155 is changed from the state in contact with the side surface of the horn 151 to the non-contact state. The main body 151a is rotated by 180 ° about the transport direction X as a rotation axis (see symbol R in FIG. 6), and the protrusion 151b2 facing the protrusion 151b1 is used. Next, when the protruding portion 151b2 deteriorates, the horns 151 arranged one by one so as to face each other along the direction Y via the packaged electrode transport portion 170 are exchanged so as to move in parallel along the direction Y. The projection 151b3 of the replaced horn 151 is used. Further, when the protruding portion 151b3 deteriorates, the contact member 155a is brought into a non-contact state with the horn 151, the main body portion 151a is rotated by 180 ° about the transport direction X as a rotation axis, and the protruding portion 151b4 facing the protruding portion 151b3 is used. To do. Thus, if one protrusion 151b is formed at each of the four corners of one end of the main body 151a, the life of the horn 151 can be extended four times. Further, by rotating the horn 151 including the booster 152 and the rotor 153, the diagonal positions of the protrusions 151b1 to 151b4 for joining the separators can be easily exchanged. Moreover, the projection parts 151b1-151b4 to be used can be switched easily by switching contact or non-contact with the horn 151 by the contact member 155a of the pressing member 155. Further, by using the same type of screws for fastening the front and back horns 151 and the booster 152 in FIG. 7, the front and back horns 151 can be shared, thereby reducing costs. be able to.

  A horn 191 according to Modification 1 of the horn 151 is shown in FIG. The horn 191 is integrally formed with two protrusions 191b so as to be adjacent to each other at four corners on one side of the main body 191a so as to be orthogonal to each other. Therefore, the life of the horn 191 can be extended to twice the life of the horn 151 by using another protrusion 191b each time the protrusion 191b deteriorates.

  A horn 192 according to Modification 2 of the horn 151 is shown in FIG. In the horn 192, one protrusion 192b is formed integrally with each of the four corners on one side of the main body 192a and the four corners on the other side facing the one side. Therefore, the life of the horn 192 can be extended to the same extent as the life of the horn 191 by using another protrusion 192b each time the protrusion 192b deteriorates. Here, the anvil 154 receives ultrasonic vibration derived from the horn 151 via the pair of ceramic separators 40, and thus deteriorates in the same manner as the horn 151. Therefore, the anvil 154 has a plurality of protrusions 154b formed integrally with the main body 154a, as with the horn 151.

(Separator conveyance follower)
5A and 6, the separator conveyance follower 160 follows the conveyance of the packaged electrode conveyance unit 170 and moves the separator junction 150 and the like while the separator bonding unit 150 is bonding the ceramic separators 40 to each other. Let

  The separator conveyance follower 160 is a lower side in FIG. 5A along the stacking direction Z of the packaged electrode conveyance unit 170, and is downstream of the first separator conveyance unit 120 and the second separator conveyance unit 130 in the conveyance direction X. It is arranged on the side. The X-axis stage 161 of the separator conveyance follower 160 mounts all the constituent members of the separator holding portion 140 and all the constituent members of the separator joint portion 150. The X-axis stage 161 moves so as to reciprocate between the downstream side and the upstream side in the transport direction X. The X-axis stage 161 moves along the downstream side in the transport direction X while the horn 151 and the anvil 154 are in contact with and joined to the pair of ceramic separators 40. On the other hand, when the horn 151 and the anvil 154 complete the joining of the pair of ceramic separators 40 and are separated from each other, the X-axis stage 161 moves at a high speed along the upstream side in the transport direction X and returns to the original position.

  The separator transport follower 160 moves the separator holding unit 140 and the separator joint 150 along the transport direction X. Therefore, while the pair of ceramic separators 40 are joined, the first separator transport unit 120 and the second separator transport unit 120 are moved. The operation of the separator transport unit 130 can be continued. That is, by using the X-axis stage 161, without stopping the rotation of the first transport drum 124 of the first separator transport unit 120 and the second transport drum 134 of the second separator transport unit 130, the pair of ceramic separators 40 Joining can be completed.

(Packed electrode transport section)
The packaged electrode transport unit 170 transports the packaged electrode 11 formed by the separator joint 150 as shown in FIGS. 5A and 6.

  The packaged electrode transport unit 170 is adjacent to the electrode transport unit 110 along the transport direction X, and is disposed downstream of the first separator transport unit 120 and the second separator transport unit 130 in the transport direction X. The transport belt 171 of the packaged electrode transport unit 170 is an endless belt provided with a plurality of suction ports on the outer peripheral surface, and transports along the transport direction X while the packaged electrode 11 is sucked. The conveyance belt 171 has a width along the direction Y intersecting the conveyance direction X shorter than the width of the packaged electrode 11. That is, both ends of the bagging electrode 11 protrude outward from the conveyance belt 171 in the direction Y. In this way, the conveyor belt 171 avoids interference with the separator holding part 140 and the separator joining part 150.

  A plurality of rotating rollers 172 of the packaged electrode transport unit 170 are arranged on the inner peripheral surface of the transport belt 171 along the direction Y intersecting the transport direction X, and rotate the transport belt 171. The rotating roller 172 does not protrude from the conveyor belt 171 in order to avoid interference with the separator holding unit 140 and the separator joint 150. Among the plurality of rotating rollers 172, one is a driving roller provided with power, and the other is a driven roller driven by the driving roller. For example, three transport belts 171 are arranged along the transport direction X.

  The suction pad 173 of the packaged electrode transport unit 170 is positioned to face the packaged electrode 11 above the packaged electrode 11 placed on the transport belt 171 in the stacking direction Z in FIG. 5A. Yes. The suction pad 173 has a plate shape, and a plurality of suction ports are provided on the surface that comes into contact with the bagging electrode 11. The elastic member 174 is located above the suction pad 173 in the stacking direction Z shown in FIG. 5A. One end of the elastic member 174 is joined to the suction pad. The stretchable member 174 is stretchable along the stacking direction Z by using an air compressor or the like as power.

  The X-axis stage 175 and the X-axis auxiliary rail 176 of the packaged electrode transport unit 170 movably support the other end facing the one end of the elastic member 174. The X-axis stage 175 is disposed along the transport direction X and scans the telescopic member 174 along the transport direction X. The X-axis auxiliary rail 176 is disposed in parallel with the X-axis stage 175 and assists the scanning of the telescopic member 174 by the X-axis stage 175. The mounting table 177 has a plate shape, and is disposed on the downstream side in the conveyance direction X with respect to, for example, three conveyance belts 171. The mounting table 177 temporarily stores and stores the packaged electrode 11.

(Control part)
The control unit 180 is shown in FIG. 5A, and includes an electrode transport unit 110, a first separator transport unit 120, a second separator transport unit 130, a separator holding unit 140, a separator joining unit 150, a separator transport follower 160, and a packaged electrode transport unit. Each operation of 170 is controlled.

  The controller 181 of the control unit 180 includes a ROM, a CPU, and a RAM. A ROM (Read Only Memory) stores a control program related to the separator bonding apparatus 100. The control program includes the rotation roller 114 and the cutting blades 115 and 116 of the electrode transport unit 110, the first transport drum 124 and the first cutting blade 125 of the first separator transport unit 120, and the second transport drum of the second separator transport unit 130. 134 and control of the second cutting blade 135 are included. Further, the control program includes the holding plate 141 of the separator holding unit 140, the vibrator 153 and the drive stage 157 of the separator bonding unit 150, the X-axis stage 161 of the separator conveyance follower 160, and the rotation roller 172 of the packaged electrode conveyance unit 170. And those related to the control of the expansion and contraction member 174 and the like.

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit) of the control unit 180 controls the operation of each component of the separator bonding apparatus 100 based on a control program. A RAM (Random Access Memory) temporarily stores various data related to each component of the separator joining apparatus 100 under control. The data relates to, for example, the operation timing of the vibrator 153 of the separator joint 150.

(Separator joining)
Next, the operation of the separator bonding apparatus 100 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the electrode transport unit 110 forms the positive electrode 20 by cutting the long positive electrode base material 20 </ b> A one by one into a predetermined shape by the cutting blades 115 and 116. The electrode transport unit 110 transports the positive electrode 20 between the first separator transport unit 120 and the second separator transport unit 130.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5A, the first separator transport unit 120 cuts out and transports the ceramic separator 40 for stacking on one surface of the positive electrode 20 from the ceramic separator substrate 40A. The long ceramic separator substrate 40A is cut into a rectangular shape one by one by the first cutting blade 125, and the ceramic separator 40 is formed. The 1st separator conveyance part 120 laminates | stacks the ceramic separator 40 on the one surface side of the positive electrode 20 carried out from the electrode conveyance part 110. FIG.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5A, the second separator transport unit 130 cuts out and transports the ceramic separator 40 to be laminated on the other surface facing the one surface of the positive electrode 20 from the ceramic separator substrate 40A. The long ceramic separator substrate 40A is cut into a rectangular shape one by one by the second cutting blade 135, and the ceramic separator 40 is formed. The second separator transport unit 130 stacks the ceramic separator 40 on the other surface side of the positive electrode 20 transported from the electrode transport unit 110.

  Next, the separator holding unit 140 holds a pair of ceramic separators 40 stacked on the positive electrode 20 as shown in FIGS. 5A and 6. The holding plate 141 assists the bonding of the ceramic separators 40 by the separator bonding portion 150 by holding the pair of ceramic separators 40 from below in the stacking direction Z in FIG. That is, while the horn 151 and the anvil 154 are in contact with the pair of ceramic separators 40, the holding plate 141 holds the ceramic separator 40 positioned below the pair from the lower side shown in FIG. .

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the separator joining portion 150 joins the ceramic separators 40 laminated so as to sandwich the positive electrode 20. The horn 151 abuts on the polypropylene layer 41 of the ceramic separator 40 and applies ultrasonic waves along the bonding surface of the ceramic layers 42 intersecting with the stacking direction Z as indicated by a broken line S1 in the drawing. The direction of the wavy line S1 corresponds to the transport direction X that intersects the stacking direction Z. The pressing member 155 presses the horn 151 along the stacking direction Z toward the polypropylene layer 41 of the ceramic separator 40 as represented by an arrow P1 in the drawing. The anvil 154 presses toward the horn 151 as represented by the arrow P2 in the figure. In this way, as shown in FIG. 11, the pair of ceramic separators 40 is heated and melted by the polypropylene layer 41, and the ceramic layers 42 move from the joint 40h to the surrounding region to become rough, and the polypropylene layer 41 joins. Therefore, the ceramic separator 40 can be joined to each other from the state in which the ceramic layers 42 that are difficult to melt are opposed to each other.

  Here, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 6, the separator transport follower 160 follows the transport operation of the packaged electrode transport unit 170 while the separator joint 150 joins the ceramic separators 40 to each other. The X-axis stage 161 mounts all the constituent members of the separator holding portion 140 and all the constituent members of the separator joint portion 150. The X-axis stage 161 moves along the downstream side in the transport direction X while the horn 151 and the anvil 154 are in contact with and joined to the pair of ceramic separators 40. That is, by using the X-axis stage 161, the pair of ceramic separators 40 can be joined without stopping the rotation of the first transport drum 124 and the second transport drum 134.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 6, the packaged electrode transport unit 170 transports the packaged electrode 11 formed by the separator joining unit 150. The packaged electrode transport unit 170 places the packaged electrode 11 on the mounting table 177 and temporarily stores it.

(Function and effect)
According to 1st Embodiment mentioned above, there exists an effect by the following structures.

  When joining components of electrical devices such as secondary batteries using ultrasound, the temperature characteristics are high and thin members like foil can be joined together, but the unit using ultrasound is ultrasound. The structure of the vibrator and the booster that amplifies the vibration are complex, so when placed on a mass production line where various equipment is lined up, the overall size of the equipment becomes large, pressing the space in buildings such as factories. There is a problem such as.

  On the other hand, in the separator bonding apparatus 100 for an electric device according to the present embodiment, the horn 151, the booster 152, and the vibrator 153 that constitute the separator bonding portion 150 are parallel to the separator transport direction and the surface of the separator. Or the booster 152 and the vibrator 153 are arranged closer to the center in the width direction of the separator than the horn 151 when viewed from the direction parallel to the separator conveyance direction. As long as the line equipment is provided, it is inevitable that the size of the equipment increases in the line conveyance direction, but the equipment components in the axial direction such as the support member 118 that supports the conveyance member 111 and the like as shown in FIG. 5B. Is not necessarily arranged. Therefore, the horn 151, the booster 152, and the vibrator 153 occupy the entire apparatus by arranging the separator 40 in the transport direction X and the stacking direction Z, or the booster 152 and the vibrator 153 closer to the center in the width direction than the horn 151. Space can be made compact.

  In addition, the horn 151 for ultrasonic bonding is provided with projections 151b1 to 151b4 that come into contact with the separator 40 so that the horn 151 can be rotated around a rotation axis parallel to the direction in which the booster 152 and the vibrator 153 are arranged. It is composed. Therefore, the protrusions at the diagonal positions of the protrusions 151b1 to 151b4 used by the operation of rotating the horn 151 can be exchanged, and the horn 151 is attached to the periphery of the joining device 100 for the replacement of the protrusions. There is no need to provide a space between the component members, and the space occupied by the entire joining device 100 can be reduced accordingly.

  In addition, the horn 151 constituting the separator joint 150 is configured so as to be closer to the position P1 where the pair of separators 40 are superposed than the pressing member 155 that holds the horn 151. Therefore, by not arranging the pressing member 155 from the position where the separator 40 is supplied to the position where ultrasonic bonding starts in the electrode transport unit 110, the position where ultrasonic bonding starts can be shortened by the space of the pressing member 155. This can contribute to compactness in the line conveyance direction.

  In addition, the horn 151 is configured such that the protrusion 151b is arranged at the end of the main body 151a in the direction intersecting the transport direction X of the separator 40. Therefore, if the protrusion 151b is arranged over the end of the separator 40 or the like, the main body 151a can be arranged outside the separator 40, and the ultrasonic joining unit 150 for joining the separator is mass-produced. It can be applied to a transfer line.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12A, a plurality of the protrusions 151b are installed as the protrusions 151b1 to 151b4, and the protrusions 151b1 to 151b4 to be used are configured to be replaceable. Therefore, the tool life at the time of joining separators using one horn can be made longer than before, which can contribute to cost reduction.

  Further, the main body 151a of the horn 151 is configured to be rotatable so that the protrusions 151b1 to 151b4 that are in contact with the pair of separators 40 can be replaced by the rotation of the main body 151a. Therefore, the space required for replacement of the protrusions 151b1 to 151b4 can be made compact compared to translational movement, etc., and the protrusions 151b1 to 151b4 used in the horn 151 can be replaced easily and quickly. Can contribute to shortening.

  In addition, the separator joint 150 includes a contact member 155a that is provided on the pressing member 155 that holds the horn 151 and that can project and retreat with respect to the horn 151. The contact member 155a is in contact with or in contact with the horn 151. It is configured to switch the rotation and fixing of the main body 151a by switching whether or not to perform. Therefore, the space required for rotating or fixing the horn 151 can be made compact.

  Further, the horn 151 of the separator joint 150 arranged with respect to the separator 40 in the transport direction X is configured so that the fastening direction of the screw for fastening with the booster 152 is the same. For this reason, the horns 151 arranged in pairs with the transport direction X as a reference can be shared, which can contribute to cost reduction.

(Modification of the first embodiment)
A separator bonding apparatus that embodies a separator bonding method for a packaged electrode 11 according to a modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.

  FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the separator holding unit 240, the separator bonding unit 150, the separator conveyance follower 160, and the packaged electrode conveyance unit 170 of the separator bonding apparatus. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the separator holding portion 240 and the separator joint portion 150 of FIG.

The separator joining apparatus according to the modified example of the first embodiment has a configuration in which the pair of holding plates 241 and 242 are separated from the polypropylene layers 41 after the horn 151 is detached from the polypropylene layer 41 of the ceramic separator 40 as described above. It differs from the structure of the separator joining apparatus 100 which concerns on 1st Embodiment.
In the modification of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for components having the same configuration as in the first embodiment described above, and the above description is omitted.
First, the configuration of the separator holding unit 240 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The separator holding unit 240 is disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction X with respect to the first separator transport unit 120 and the second separator transport unit 130. One set of separator holding parts 240 is disposed at both ends along the carrying direction X of the packaged electrode carrying part 170. The holding plate 241 of the separator holding unit 240 is formed in a long plate shape, and is below the stacking direction Z of the ceramic separator 40 in FIG. 13 and at an end portion along the conveying direction X of the ceramic separator 40. They are arranged in parallel. The holding plate 242 has the same shape as the holding plate 241. The holding plate 241 and the holding plate 242 are disposed to face each other along the stacking direction Z with a pair of ceramic separators 40 interposed therebetween. The holding plate 241 has a rectangular hole in order to avoid interference with the anvil 154 of the separator joint 150. On the other hand, the holding plate 242 includes a rectangular hole in order to avoid interference with the horn 151 of the separator joint 150. The holding plates 241 and 242 are raised and lowered by the drive support column 158 of the separator joint 150 so as to approach and separate from each other along the stacking direction Z.

(Separator joining)
Next, the operation of the separator holding portion 240 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 14A, the separator holding unit 240 holds a pair of ceramic separators 40 along the stacking direction Z by a pair of holding plates 241 and 242. The horn 151 and the anvil 154 are ultrasonically bonded to the pair of ceramic separators 40 while being pressed against the polypropylene layer 41. Next, as shown in FIG. 14B, the horn 151 is detached upward along the stacking direction Z from the pair of ceramic separators 40 as indicated by the arrow T1 in FIG. At the same time as the operation of the horn 151, the anvil 154 is spaced downward along the stacking direction Z from the pair of ceramic separators 40, as indicated by the arrow T2 in FIG. Next, as shown in FIG. 14C, the holding plate 241 is separated downward along the stacking direction Z from the pair of ceramic separators 40 as represented by the arrow T <b> 4 in FIG. 14. At the same time as the operation of the holding plate 241, the holding plate 242 is detached upward along the stacking direction Z from the pair of ceramic separators 40 as indicated by the arrow T <b> 3 in FIG. 14.

  According to the modification of 1st Embodiment mentioned above, there exists an effect by the following structures.

  The separator bonding apparatus for the electrical device (corresponding to the packaged electrode 11 of the lithium ion secondary battery 10) further includes a pair of holding plates 241 and 242. The pair of holding plates 241 and 242 sandwich and hold the polypropylene layers 41 along the stacking direction Z. The pair of holding plates 241 and 242 are separated from the polypropylene layers 41 after the horn 151 is detached from the polypropylene layer 41.

  According to such a configuration, the horn 151 is in a state where the polypropylene layers 41 are held by the pair of holding plates 241 and 242 even if the horn 151 adheres to the polypropylene layer 41 when the pair of ceramic separators 40 are welded. Thus, it can be separated from the polypropylene layer 41. Therefore, the horn 151 can be prevented from moving while attached to the polypropylene layer 41, and the ceramic separator 40 is not damaged.

Further, in the configuration of the modified example of the first embodiment, even if the anvil 154 adheres to the polypropylene layer 41 when contacting the pair of ceramic separators 40, the polypropylene layer 41 is supported by the pair of holding plates 241 and 242. In a state where they are held together, they can be separated from the polypropylene layer 41. Therefore, the anvil 154 can be prevented from moving while attached to the polypropylene layer 41, and the ceramic separator 40 is not damaged.
The present invention can be modified in various ways based on the configurations described in the claims, and these are also within the scope of the present invention.

  For example, the direction in which the ultrasonic wave is propagated to the ceramic separator 40 may be a direction along the bonding surface of the ceramic layers 42 intersecting with the stacking direction Z, and the conveyance direction X and the direction Y intersecting the stacking direction Z There is no particular limitation as long as it is within the plane to be formed.

  In the above description, the ceramic layers 42 of the pair of ceramic separators 40 are partially moved to the surrounding area and roughened to thereby bond the facing polypropylene layers 41 to each other. Here, it is not necessary to completely move the ceramic layers 42 at the portion to be the joint portion to the surrounding area, and they may be moved to the extent that they become rough. That is, the facing polypropylene layers 41 can be bonded together in a state where a part of the ceramic layers 42 remains in a portion that becomes a bonding portion.

  Moreover, in 1st and 2nd embodiment, in the packaged electrode 11 used for the lithium ion secondary battery 10, although demonstrated with the structure which joins a pair of ceramic separator 40 mutually, it is limited to such a structure. Absent. The present invention can also be applied to joining members other than the packaged electrode 11 used in the lithium ion secondary battery 10.

  In the above description, the secondary battery has been described with the configuration of the lithium ion secondary battery 10, but the configuration is not limited to such a configuration. The secondary battery can be configured as, for example, a polymer lithium battery, a nickel-hydrogen battery, or a nickel-cadmium battery.

  In the above description, the heat-resistant material of the ceramic separator 40 has been described with the configuration of the ceramic layer 42, but is not limited to such a configuration. The heat-resistant material is not limited to ceramics and may be a member having a melting temperature higher than that of the molten material.

  In the above description, the melting material of the ceramic separator 40 has been described with the configuration of the polypropylene layer 41, but is not limited to such a configuration. The molten material is not limited to polypropylene and may be a member having a melting temperature lower than that of the heat-resistant material.

  Moreover, although the ceramic separator 40 was demonstrated as the structure which laminated | stacked the heat-resistant material (ceramics layer 42) on the single side | surface of the molten material (polypropylene layer 41) above, it is not limited to such a structure. The ceramic separator 40 may be configured by laminating a heat resistant material (ceramic layer 42) on both surfaces of a molten material (polypropylene layer 41).

  In the above description, the positive electrode 20 is packed with the pair of ceramic separators 40 to form the packed electrode 11, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. The negative electrode 30 may be packed with a pair of ceramic separators 40 to form a packed electrode. Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which inserts the positive electrode 20 or the negative electrode 30 after joining a pair of ceramic separator 40 mutually, and forms a packing electrode.

  In the above description, the horn 151 and the anvil 154 provided with the protrusions are used to spot weld both ends of the pair of ceramic separators 40. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. It is good also as a structure which operates the horn 151 provided with the projection part, and the anvil 154 so that a junction part may continue, and seam-welds the both ends of a pair of ceramic separator 40. FIG.

  In the above description, the projection 151b of the horn 151 and the projection 154b of the anvil 154 are described as being pressed while sandwiching the pair of ceramic separators 40. However, the configuration is not limited thereto. What is necessary is just to provide the projection part in any one of the horn 151 or the anvil 154. FIG. In other words, the pair of ceramic separators 40 may be pressed while being held between the protrusion 151b of the horn 151 and the flat portion of the main body 154a of the anvil 154. Moreover, it is good also as a structure pressed while pinching so that the part which becomes a junction part of a pair of ceramic separator 40 may be pinched | interposed by the convex-shaped projection part 151b of the horn 151, and the concave hollow part of the anvil 154. Further, the pair of ceramic separators 40 may be pressed while being sandwiched between one end of the flat portion of the main body portion 151a of the horn 151 and one end of the flat portion of the main body portion 154a of the anvil 154.

  In the above embodiment, the screws constituting the fastening portion between the horn 151 and the booster 152 arranged in pairs near the edge of the separator 40 in the transport direction X in FIG. Although described, it is not limited to this. The fastening portion of the horn 151 and the booster 152 disposed near one edge and the other edge of the separator 40 reverses the rotation direction of the screws, and the tightening direction of each screw applies the horn 151 to the separator 40. By making the direction opposite to the direction of rotation generated when contacting, loosening of the fastening portion between both the left and right horns 151 and the booster 152 can be prevented.

  This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-208639 filed on October 3, 2013 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-261867 filed on December 18, 2013. Referenced and incorporated as a whole.

10 Lithium ion secondary battery,
11, 13 Packed electrode (electric device),
12 power generation elements,
20 positive electrode (electrode),
20A positive electrode substrate,
21 positive electrode current collector,
21a positive electrode terminal,
22 cathode active material,
30 negative electrode (electrode),
31 negative electrode current collector,
31a negative electrode terminal,
32 negative electrode active material,
40 Ceramic separator (separator),
40A substrate for ceramic separator,
40h, 40i joint,
41 polypropylene layer,
42 ceramic layers,
50 exterior materials,
51,52 Laminate sheet,
100 separator joining device,
110 Electrode transfer unit,
111 electrode supply roller (conveying member),
112 transport rollers,
113 Conveyor belt,
114 rotating rollers,
115,116 cutting blades,
117 cradle,
118, 126, 136 support member,
120 1st separator conveyance part (separator conveyance part),
121 first separator supply roller (conveying member),
122 first pressure roller,
123 first nip roller,
124 first transport drum,
125 first cutting blade,
130 second separator transport section (separator transport section),
131 second separator supply roller (conveying member),
132 second pressure roller,
133 second nip roller,
134 second transport drum,
135 second cutting blade,
140,240 Separator holding part (ultrasonic bonding part),
141, 241, 242 holding plate,
150, 350 separator joint (ultrasonic joint),
151, 151c, 191, 192, 351 Horn (contact portion),
151a, 151d, 191a, 192a main body,
151b, 151b1, 151b2, 151b3, 151b4, 151e, 191b, 192b Protruding part (contact part),
152 booster (amplifier),
153 vibrator (transmitter),
154,354 Anvil,
154a body part,
154b protrusion,
155 pressing member (holding part),
155a contact member,
156, 356 biasing member,
157 drive stage,
158 drive strut,
160 separator conveyance follower,
161 X-axis stage,
170 Packed electrode transport section,
171 Conveyor belt,
172 rotating roller,
173 suction pad,
174 telescopic member,
175 X axis stage,
176 X-axis auxiliary rail,
177 mounting table,
180 control unit,
181 controller,
190 wall,
X transport direction,
Y direction (crossing the transport direction X),
Z stacking direction,
R Direction of rotation of the horn.

[0002]
And
Means for Solving the Problems [0006]
The present invention for achieving the above object is a separator joining apparatus for an electric device for joining a pair of separators sandwiching an electrode to each other. The apparatus includes a transmitting unit that generates ultrasonic vibration, an amplifying unit that amplifies the generated vibration, a contact unit that applies the amplified vibration to the separator to join the pair of separators, and a pair of the contact unit. A separator transport unit that transports the pair of separators to a joining position for joining the separators. In the present invention, the transmitting section, the amplifying section, and the contact section are arranged in parallel with the separator transport direction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0007]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a lithium ion secondary battery configured using an electric device (packed electrode) according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the lithium ion secondary battery of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state where negative electrodes are laminated on both surfaces of the packaged electrode of FIG.
4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of FIG. 3 along line 4-4 shown in FIG.
FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing a separator bonding apparatus for an electric device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5B is a view of the joining apparatus as viewed from the upstream side in the transport direction.
FIG. 5C is a side view showing the vicinity of the separator joint in the joining device.
FIG. 5D is a perspective view showing a modified example of the separator joining portion in the joining device.
FIG. 5E is a front view of FIG. 5D.
FIG. 5F is a plan view of FIG. 5D.
[FIG. 6] Separator holding part, separator joint part and separator conveyance follower part of FIG. 5A

Claims (9)

A separator joining apparatus for an electric device for joining a pair of separators sandwiching an electrode to each other,
A transmitter that generates ultrasonic vibrations;
An amplifying unit for amplifying the generated vibration;
A contact portion for applying the amplified vibration to the separator to join the pair of separators;
A separator transport unit that transports the pair of separators to a joining position where the pair of separators are joined by the contact part;
The transmitter, the amplifying unit, and the contact portion are arranged in a plane parallel to the separator transport direction and orthogonal to the separator surface.
Or, the transmitter and the amplifying unit are arranged closer to the center in the width direction of the separator than the abutment when viewed from a direction parallel to the transport direction of the separator. .   2. The electrical device according to claim 1, wherein the contact portion includes a plurality of contact portions that contact the separator, and is rotatable around a rotation axis parallel to a direction in which the contact portion and the transmission portion are arranged. Separator joining device. A holding portion for holding the contact portion;
3. The separator joining apparatus for an electric device according to claim 1, wherein the abutting portion is disposed closer to a position where the pair of separators overlap each other than the holding portion in the transport direction of the separator. The contact portion includes a contact portion that contacts the separator, and a main body portion on which the contact portion is installed.
4. The separator joining apparatus for an electric device according to claim 1, wherein the contact portion is arranged at an end portion of the main body portion in a direction intersecting with the conveying direction of the separator.   The separator joining apparatus for an electric device according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of the contact portions are installed on the main body portion, and the contact portions to be used can be replaced. The main body is configured to be rotatable,
6. The separator joining apparatus for an electric device according to claim 5, wherein the contact portion is exchanged for the contact portion that contacts the pair of separators by rotation of the main body portion. A holding portion for holding the contact portion;
The holding portion includes a contact member that can freely protrude and retract with respect to the contact portion,
The separator joining apparatus for an electric device according to claim 6, wherein the rotation and fixing of the main body portion are switched by switching whether or not the contact member is brought into contact with the contact portion from the holding portion.   The amplifying part and the abutting part are fastened by screws and arranged in pairs in the transport direction of the electrode, and the one amplifying part, the abutting part and the other amplifying part, the abutting part The separator joining apparatus for an electric device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the tightening directions of the screws are the same.   The amplifying part and the abutting part are fastened by screws and arranged in pairs in the transport direction of the electrode, and the one amplifying part, the abutting part and the other amplifying part, the abutting part The separator joining apparatus for an electric device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein screw tightening directions are different.